Cap for creating a spiral wave hair pattern

ABSTRACT

A cap apparatus for use by a user to create a spiral wave pattern in hair includes a generally semi-spherical shaped elastic member having an interior face defining an interior cavity configured to receive the user&#39;s head, and a cord coupled to the interior face of the elastic member and oriented in a spiral circular pattern, the cord having a first end positioned on a central portion of the elastic member, an intermediate region that extends in the spiral circular pattern from the first end to a second end of the cord located proximate an edge of the elastic member. The elastic member is adjusted to place the cord&#39;s first end above a cowlick of the user&#39;s hair. Tension generated in the elastic member when placed over the user&#39;s head permits the cord to apply pressure on the head, thereby creating the spiral wave pattern in the hair.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to devices for creating waves in a user's hair.

Many popular hairstyles require molding an individual's hair to create a series of waves. In particular, one type of short hairstyle popular with African American men is the 360 degree wave pattern. In this style, the individual's hair has a spiral circular wave pattern that begins at the cowlick of the hair and extends outward throughout the remaining hair on the head.

The process of creating a 360 degree wave pattern in hair is time consuming because an individual has to repeat the steps of applying hair product to the head, combing the hair in the desired direction and wearing a scarf, known as a doo-rag, on the head. These steps have to be repeated over the course of several weeks before the 360 degree wave pattern is created.

Several existing hair devices for creating waves are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,845,606 and 5,383,480. However, these devices are not designed to create a 360 degree wave pattern in hair. Further, these devices are ineffective and/or a burden to use. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 1,845,606 discloses a wave cap comprising a perforated strip pattern that serves as a guide for users to insert combs into the hair to create a desired wave pattern. This process is a burden because it requires the user to maneuver different components including multiple combs and the cap. U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,480 discloses a band that is secured to the user's head and includes a plurality of connecting members used to mold a series of parallel waves in the hair. However, this device is limited in function because it does not create a spiral wave pattern in hair.

As such, there is a need in the industry for a head cap that addresses the limitations of the prior art, which permits a user to mold a 360 degree spiral wave pattern in hair with enhanced efficiency.

SUMMARY

A cap apparatus for use by a user to create a spiral wave pattern in hair of the user with enhanced efficiency is provided. The cap apparatus comprises a generally semi-spherical shaped elastic member comprising an exterior face and an interior face, the interior face defining an interior cavity configured to receive a head of the user, and a cord coupled to the interior face of the elastic member and oriented in a spiral circular pattern, the cord comprising a first end positioned on a central portion of the elastic member, an intermediate region that extends in the spiral circular pattern from the first end to a second end of the cord located proximate an edge of the elastic member, wherein the elastic member is configured to conform to contours of the user's head and is adjusted to place the first end of the cord above a cowlick of the user's hair, wherein tension generated in the elastic member when placed over the user's head permits the cord to apply pressure on the user's head, thereby creating the spiral wave pattern in the hair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the figures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of certain embodiments of the cap apparatus shown in use;

FIG. 2 depicts a top perspective view of certain embodiments of the cap apparatus;

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom perspective view of certain embodiments of the cap apparatus;

FIG. 4 depicts a section view of certain embodiments of the cap apparatus taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view illustrating the spiral wave pattern of hair of a user created from use of certain embodiments of the cap apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, cap 10 is configured for use by operator 18 to create a 360 degree spiral circular hair pattern. Cap 10 comprises fabric member 12 and cord 14. Fabric member 12 is a generally semi-spherical shaped layer made from an elastic material such as nylon. Fabric member 12 comprises an interior cavity that is configured to receive the head of operator 18. It shall be appreciated that alternative types of elastic and/or flexible materials known in the field capable of tightly conforming to contours of the user's head may be used instead.

Cord 14 is preferably made from rigid or semi-rigid rubber and comprises a circular cross-section. In one embodiment, cord 14 has approximate dimensions having a 4 foot length and 0.188 inch cross-sectional diameter. However, it shall be appreciated that cord 14 may have alternative shapes and dimensions. Cord 14 is secured to the interior face of fabric member 12 by stitching 16. In a preferred embodiment, a first end of cord 14 is positioned at a central portion of fabric member 12. The intermediate portion of cord 14 extends in a spiral circular pattern outward until the second end of the cord reaches the edge of fabric member 12. In a preferred embodiment, adjacent portions of the cord in the spiral circular pattern are separated by a distance equal to approximately 0.25 inch.

Stitching 16 is used on different portions of cord 14 to ensure the cord is tightly fastened to fabric member 12. As depicted in FIG. 4, at each securement location, stitching 16 comprises a thread that is looped around cord 14, through fabric member 12 and around the exterior of fabric member 12. However, any alternative type of stitching pattern may be used instead. For example, a thread can be inserted through cord 14 and fabric member 12. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, an adhesive such as glue can be used in combination with or instead of stitching 16.

To operate cap 10, fabric member 12 is disposed around the head of operator 18 as shown in FIG. 1. Fabric member 12 stretches to tightly fit around the operator's head. Cap 10 is adjusted until the first end of cord 14, positioned on the central portion of fabric member 12, is situated above a cowlick of operator 18. In some instances, the cowlick may be positioned on the left and rear portion, center and rear portion or right and rear portion of the user's head. Cap 10 may be adjusted to accommodate any of these users. The tension generated in fabric member 12 when stretched over the operator's head causes cord 14 to direct pressure on hair 20 of operator 18. As depicted in FIG. 5, once cap 10 is removed from the operator's head, hair 20 comprises a 360 degree spiral circular pattern.

It shall be appreciated that cap 10 enables operator 18 to achieve a spiral circular pattern in several hours. In addition, cap 10 may be used to achieve this hairstyle with individuals having different hair types including naturally straight or curly hair. It shall be appreciated that the components of cap 10 described in several embodiments herein may comprise any alternative known materials in the field and be of any color, size and/or dimensions. It shall be appreciated that the components of cap 10 described herein may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cap apparatus for use by a user to create a spiral wave pattern in hair of the user with enhanced efficiency, the cap apparatus comprising: a generally semi-spherical shaped elastic member comprising an exterior face and an interior face, the interior face defining an interior cavity configured to receive a head of the user; and a cord coupled to the interior face of the elastic member and oriented in a spiral circular pattern, the cord comprising a first end positioned on a central portion of the elastic member, an intermediate region that extends in the spiral circular pattern from the first end to a second end of the cord located proximate an edge of the elastic member; wherein the elastic member is configured to conform to contours of the user's head and is adjusted to place the first end of the cord above a cowlick of the user's hair, wherein tension generated in the elastic member when placed over the user's head permits the cord to apply pressure on the user's head, thereby creating the spiral wave pattern in the hair.
 2. The cap apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cord is coupled to the elastic member by stitching.
 3. The cap apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cord is coupled to the elastic member by an adhesive glue.
 4. The cap apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cord is approximately 4 feet in length and comprises a circular cross-section with an approximately 0.188 inch diameter.
 5. The cap apparatus of claim 4, wherein adjacent portions of the cord in the spiral circular pattern are separated by a distance equal to approximately 0.25 inches. 